Criminal Defense: Military Justice

Whether you are facing a court-martial or an adverse administrative action, the process can be complicated and it may be difficult to know what your rights are. Jonathan Crisp has encountered virtually every possible adverse action, investigation or court-martial in his legal career. He has successfully defended or assisted servicemembers facing:

Regardless of what you are facing, it is important to begin your own investigation early because commanders, witnesses and alleged victims may move or change duty stations very quickly by virtue of the nature of military service. Early investigation can mean the difference between a conviction and an acquittal on a charge. It may also shape the way the command views the nature of the charges, whether they would be more inclined to some alternate handling of the case or prosecuting it at a lower level court-martial.

Early investigation or intervention can also affect the type of negotiations that occur between the defense and prosecution/commander. If your attorney has not had an opportunity to view all the evidence or speak with the witnesses he may be forced to accept the government’s view of the case and the strength of its witnesses.

Don’t make that mistake: getting your attorney involved early can only help your case.